Cultural differencesZory, 27-28 February 2018

Agnieszka Kosowicz

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Who are these people? When do we encounter cultural

differences

Imigrants

Refugees

Repatriants

Re-emigrants

Ethnic and national minorities

Expats

Tourists

Marriage ;-)

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Culture as a system

in psychology, system typical for groups and nations:

Behaviours

Norms

Values

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Not all… but all

Not all share those values, or behaves according to those values,

But all know them as typical for his/her group.

Where were the pics taken?

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Habits, manners and others

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Habits, manners and others

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Cultural differences…

… occur in the values of people,

the norms they believe are the

‚rules of life’, and

behaviours/communication

patterns they practice and

consider ‚right’

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How cultures differ?Cultural dimensions

Relation to TIME

Communication DIRECT/not DIRECT

What you know vs who you are

Individual rights – group rights

One world – division for two worlds : for men, for

women

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Monochronic cultures

Time rules ;-)

Time is a cost, time costs

Time dictates tasks.

Being late is not acceptable

Being late is considered as lack of respect

Actions are planned one by one.

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Polichronic cultures

Time, schedules and punctualityare less important.

People prefere looser timeframes, plan less

Holding two pararel events ordoing two things at one time isacceptable

Setting an appointment theydecide upon first/second half of the day (morning/afternoon)

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Time and planning

Monochronic cultures Polichronic cultures

nordic

germanic

USA and Canada

Japan

Arab countries

Africa

Latin America

South and South-East Asia

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High context communication

Communication is not direct, context is

important – the aim is to keep good relations

with people

A friend does not say „no”

Opennes, being direct is considered childish

In some cultures saying ‚no’ is

unacceptable.

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Low context communication

Direct way of communication

Friend – who will say the truth

Opennes = frankness,

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High and low context of communication

High context Low context

Most European countries

Most Asian countries

Medditteranean

Arab countries

Latin America

USA, Canada

Australia

New Zeland

Denmark

Norway

Island

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Hierarchy important Your social status depends on your

background, parents, age and sex.

Social status is highlighted by people, and is important.

Privilages adn signs of status are commonly respected

Relations between staff and boss can only be inicjated by the boss/person higher in hierarchy.

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Culture not hierarchical

Your status is based on knowledge, achievements

Differences in status are not big, and not easy to spot.

Top positions do not bring special privilages. Privilages and clear social status are not well seen in the society.

People are expected to show initiative, be proactive.

Supervisot/boss is easily accessible.

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Hierarchy?

low high

Scandinavian countries

Germanic cultures

North America

Australia, New Zeland

Arab world

Meditteranean

Post-soviet countries

Most Asian countries

Most African countries

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Collective cultures…

The benefit of the group is more important than individual

Family, group ties are very important,

Person without a family and friends is worthless

Everyone has duties towards his/her group

Children should be taught loyalty towards the group.

Relations must be nurtured (hospitality, gifts)

Verbal arrangements more important than written ones.

Lack of trust towards strangers.

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Individual cultures

Individuality, creativity in thinking and behaving is respected

People focus on their individual aims and plans.

Authonomy at work is welcome

Family links at work are not welcome.

Task-oriented. Friendly relations are not necessary at work.

Openness for others.

Agreements valid if written.

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Collective or individual?

Collective

Asian

Africa

Balkan countries

Muslim countries

Individual

Most European countries

North America

Australia

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Male cultures

The worlds of women and men are very distant from each other.

It is assumed that women and men have different roles, which should be maintained.

Showing emotions by men is not encouraged – feelings and relations are a domain of women.

Competition and challenges are respected

Material achievements/goods are important.

There is respect for what is big, fast and strong.

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Female cultures

The worlds of women and men are similar, and complementary.

In life and work strong division for roles is not so important.

Both men and women can show emotions and care for relations

Work and achievements are not the most important

Good relations and cooperation is the key.

Weak persons, small, requiring assistance - are respected and supported.

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Male/feminine – in culture

Male cultures

Arab countries

USA

Germany

Latin America

Female cultures

Scandinavian countries

Holland

Canada

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Pain killers – which would you

choose?

In Żory?

In Kairo?

Psychologiczne i społeczne

konsekwencje uchodźctwa

Szok kulturowy

BUT: MORE CReATIVE

Multicultural group – good space

for misunderstandings

Perfect space for : doubts, „between the lines”,

controveries, contradictions, misunderstandings.

Aculturation strategies

Is it worth to keep my own culture and identity?

Is it worth accepting a new culture and identy?

INTGRATION

COMBINING OLD AND NEW

ASYMILATION

NEW INSTEAD OF OLD

SEPARATION

OLD

MARGINALIZATION

NONE

How to effectively communicate?

Remember, it may be culture

Accept that not all is clear

Talk

You can be misunderstood

Trust good intentions

Assume there will be some inclarities,

don’t get irritated by this.

Not only culture!

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CU

LR

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Life situtation

You?Refugee

Comfort.

Safety

Predictability

Support network

Insecurity

Fear

Loss

Lack of trust in what is to

come.

Familiar culture

Unfamiliar culture

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